Texas Cancer Center CEO Dr. Catherine Nyongesa Calls for Early Screening During Breast Cancer Awareness Month
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 3 – Dr. Catherine Nyongesa, the Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the Texas Cancer Center and Kenya’s first female oncologist has issued a clarion call for early screening and heightened awareness as October is globally observed as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
In her remarks, Dr. Nyongesa emphasized that while significant progress has been made in cancer treatment and management, prevention and early detection remain the most powerful tools in saving lives.
She noted that breast cancer continues to pose a significant health burden in Kenya, with thousands of new cases reported annually and many women succumbing due to late diagnosis.
“Breast cancer continues to affect millions of women worldwide and in Kenya, delayed diagnosis remains one of our greatest challenges,” she stated.
“We must encourage regular screening, open conversations and stronger support systems for those affected, together, we can create a culture where early detection becomes the norm, not the exception.”
Statistics from the Ministry of Health reveal that breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Kenya, accounting for nearly a quarter of all female cancers.
Despite this, stigma, limited access to screening facilities and lack of awareness often lead to late stage detection, drastically reducing chances of survival
Under Dr. Nyongesa’s visionary leadership, the Texas Cancer Center has become a leading institution in comprehensive cancer care, providing not only treatment but also advocacy and patient support programs.
The facility has distinguished itself as a hub of hope, offering chemotherapy, radiotherapy and palliative care, while also driving public education campaigns aimed at demystifying cancer.
This month, the Center is calling upon individuals, communities and institutions to join forces in spreading hope, solidarity and resilience.
Dr. Nyongesa further highlighted that the fight against breast cancer transcends the medical field, urging Kenyans to foster environments where survivors are celebrated, patients are supported and families are not left to battle in silence her message underscored a broader philosophy that defeating breast cancer requires collective responsibility.
“The war against cancer is not fought in hospitals alone, It begins in our homes, workplaces and communities with awareness, compassion and action”, She reminded.
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month unfolds, Dr. Nyongesa’s call resonates as both a medical directive and a human appeal, urging Kenyans to embrace early screening as a lifesaving culture.
By Steve El Sabai
